Yet donning the Leverkusen colours has actually come much later than planned for Volland, as he revealed to bayer04.de. “[The move] almost happened last season but I opted to stay at Hoffenheim,” he said. “In the end it was all sorted this year. The discussions with [sporting director] Rudi Völler and the coach were brilliant and I felt at home here from the very first minute.”

So what does the 23-year-old make of his new surroundings and the welcome he has been given? “Brilliant. I had a really good feeling when I signed and there’s a great atmosphere here. The club is really well organised, everybody in the squad is friendly and there are a couple of cool lads amongst them. That’s made it very easy to fit in.”

Volland has immediately taken to the likes of fellow German international Karim Bellarabi, and he is excited by what the squad can do in the campaign, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, of which he will soon savour his first taste.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Champions League,” he said. “The crowded fixture list will be something new and that makes the coming weeks of the pre-season even more important.”

A Chicharito admirer

His arrival having boosted the likes of Bellarabi, Admir Mehmedi and Julian Brandt, Leverkusen’s attacking options now look fearsome, and there is still the return of last season’s goalscoring sensation Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez to factor in.

Volland, for one, cannot wait for the Mexican to report for pre-season following his Copa America Centenario exploits. “I’m really looking forward to playing with him. I’ve followed his career at Real Madrid and Manchester United and last season at Bayer 04 was obviously outstanding. I’ll be happy when he’s here as he’s an incredible player.”